Diet Shrimp Bisque

Diet Shrimp Bisque Recipe: A Healthy & Flavorful Delight

Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour and 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Diet Shrimp Bisque is a delicious and healthy soup that is perfect for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal while watching their calorie intake. This recipe is packed with fresh shrimp and vegetables, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish.

History

Shrimp bisque is a classic French soup that has been enjoyed for centuries. Originally made with rich cream and butter, this diet-friendly version offers a lighter take on the traditional recipe without sacrificing any of the flavor.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) fresh shrimp or scampi, lobster or crayfish
1 tbsp safflower or virgin olive oil
1 leek, cleaned and sliced coarsely
1 small carrot, peeled and sliced
1 celery stalk, sliced
2 shallots, peeled and chopped
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
1 tbsp tomato purée
1.5 cup dry white wine
2 qt (1.89 liter) water
1 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
1 pinch saffron

Herb bouquet

tie the following in a cheesecloth
0.5 tsp thyme
0.5 bay leaf
6 fresh parsley stems

Bisque

salt and pepper to taste
4 tbsp cornstarch
4 tbsp non-fat powdered milk
0.5 tsp cognac, armagnac or brandy
4 basil leaves, minced
1 tsp tarragon, minced
1 tbsp minced chives

How to prepare

Separate the tail from the shrimp and remove the meat, reserving all shells, claws, heads, etc.
If desired, devein the tails, then cover and refrigerate.
Coarsely chop the heads and shells, reserving 4 heads for decoration, if available.
In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat, then add the shrimp shells and cook them.
Stir slowly but continuously for 5 minutes.
Add the vegetables and tomato puree and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring.
Add the wine and bring to a boil for 30 seconds, scraping the bottom to dissolve any coagulated juices.
Add the water, bouillon cube, saffron, and herb bouquet.
Return to a simmer and cook, covered, for 1 hour.
Pour the stock through a fine strainer into a bowl, pressing down on the vegetables and shrimp shells with a soup ladle to extract all of the liquid (for a finer result, strain again through cheesecloth).
Return the stock to a boil.
Moisten the cornstarch in a little cold water, then add it to the saucepan and boil for 4 minutes.
Taste for salt and pepper (the recipe can be prepared ahead to this point and refrigerated).
Bring the stock to a simmer.
Add the shrimp tails and let them cook for a bare 2 minutes (for small or medium), or 3 minutes for extra large.
Remove immediately with a slotted spoon and divide them among 4 heated soup plates.
Pour the stock into a blender, add the powdered milk and cognac.
Blend until smooth and homogeneous.
Pour immediately into the soup plates over the shrimp tails.
Garnish each dish with an equal amount of the herbs and a shrimp head (optional).

Variations

For a different twist on this recipe, try adding some diced vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the bisque, be sure to cook the shrimp shells and vegetables thoroughly before adding the liquid. This will help to extract all of the delicious flavors from the ingredients and create a rich and flavorful broth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Diet Shrimp Bisque with a side of crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

To ensure that the shrimp tails are cooked perfectly, be sure to only cook them for the recommended amount of time. Overcooking the shrimp can result in a tough and rubbery texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh shrimp on hand, you can also use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Make Ahead Tips

This bisque can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve. Simply reheat on the stove before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish each bowl of bisque with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a shrimp head for an elegant and impressive presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This shrimp bisque pairs well with a crisp white wine or a light and refreshing salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover bisque in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove until warmed through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Diet Shrimp Bisque contains approximately 200 calories, making it a satisfying and nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without consuming excess calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Diet Shrimp Bisque contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet.

Fats

With only 5 grams of fat per serving, this shrimp bisque is a low-fat option that is perfect for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without consuming excess calories.

Proteins

Packed with fresh shrimp, each serving of this bisque contains approximately 20 grams of protein, making it a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

Vitamins and minerals

This shrimp bisque is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish and dairy (milk), so be sure to check for any allergies before preparing and serving this dish.

Summary

Overall, Diet Shrimp Bisque is a nutritious and delicious option for those looking to enjoy a satisfying meal without consuming excess calories. Packed with fresh shrimp and vegetables, this soup is a great choice for a light and flavorful dish.

Summary

Diet Shrimp Bisque is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking to enjoy a flavorful meal without consuming excess calories. Packed with fresh shrimp and vegetables, this soup is a satisfying and healthy choice for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Martha for our weekly tea time. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on Earl Grey and nibbling on delicate cucumber sandwiches, Martha handed me a worn, stained recipe card.

"Here, dear," she said with a twinkle in her eye. "I think you'll love this one. It's my famous Diet Shrimp Bisque recipe."

I glanced down at the card and my mouth watered at the thought of succulent shrimp in a creamy, flavorful broth. I had always been a fan of bisque, but the idea of a diet-friendly version intrigued me.

"Thank you, Martha," I replied, tucking the card into my purse. "I can't wait to try it out."

And try it out I did. That very evening, I gathered all the ingredients listed on the card and set to work in my own kitchen. The aroma of sautéed onions and garlic filled the air as I simmered the broth and added in the shrimp. The result was a light, yet satisfying bisque that tasted like a rich indulgence without any of the guilt.

As I savored each spoonful of the Diet Shrimp Bisque, I couldn't help but think back to how I had come to acquire this wonderful recipe. It was a story that began many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning the art of cooking from my own grandmother.

My grandmother, a formidable cook in her own right, had a vast collection of recipes that she had gathered over the years from various sources. Some were passed down through generations of our family, while others were shared by friends and neighbors. But one thing was for certain – each recipe had been tried and tested in her kitchen and had earned a place of honor in her recipe box.

One summer afternoon, as I sat at her kitchen table watching her prepare a feast for the family, my grandmother decided it was time to pass down one of her most treasured recipes to me. She handed me a faded, yellowed card with the words "Diet Shrimp Bisque" scrawled in her elegant handwriting.

"This one is a special recipe, dear," she said with a smile. "It's perfect for when you want something light and comforting, but still full of flavor. I hope you'll enjoy making it as much as I have."

And enjoy it I did. Over the years, I made the Diet Shrimp Bisque countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my own tastes. I served it at family gatherings, dinner parties, and even on quiet evenings when I craved a taste of nostalgia.

As the years passed, I continued to add to my own collection of recipes, gathering inspiration from cookbooks, magazines, and even the internet. But the Diet Shrimp Bisque remained a staple in my repertoire, a reminder of the love and care that went into every dish I prepared.

And so, as I sat in my kitchen savoring a bowl of the delicious bisque, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the culinary journey that had brought me to this moment. From my grandmother's kitchen to Martha's tea table, the Diet Shrimp Bisque had become more than just a recipe – it was a story of love, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with those we hold dear. And for that, I was truly thankful.